CSA Interns Experience NASA History
Three Career Exploration Program Short-term Assignment (CSA) students spent the summer working in JSC’s Oral History Department. During the 10-week internship, students researched and transcribed pieces of NASA’s audible history while experiencing NASA history in the making.
Under the direction of JSC Oral Historians, students gained valuable hands-on research experience. New Mexico State University graduate student Cynthia Renteria reiterates the importance of the internship in her professional and educational career: “As a graduate student, professional experience is essential. This internship furthered my education plan and brought me one step closer to my goals.”
In addition to their research on numerous Oral History projects and biographical sketches, students had the unique opportunity to participate in NASA celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the Apollo moon landings. Renteria attended an Apollo 13 movie viewing in historical mission control with guest speaker Apollo 13 Flight Director, Gene Kranz. As a historian, Renteria has a strong appreciation for the historical significance of the event. “I’m documenting the history that has happened at NASA and now I get to experience some of it myself,” says Renteria.
University of Houston student Scott McKinley also recognized the significance of working at JSC during such a historic celebration: “The thing I appreciate most about my time at JSC is the opportunity it afforded me to be a part of living history. It was a chance of a lifetime for an aspiring historian to be a part of the 40th anniversary of the Apollo moon landings.”
Through the CSA Program, 14 students spent this summer interning at JSC in 8 different Organizations. CSA Interns gain valuable hands-on professional experience in their career field while enjoying the once in a lifetime experiences that only NASA can provide.